Sandston Bistro & Shakes — Restaurant in Virginia

I probably would never give this place a chance if I was just driving by. The exterior was newly painted but the building wasn't standing out. However, if 984 people rated Sandston Bistro & Shakes 4.6 stars; I got to give it a try. I took my group here for lunch after reading all the positive reviews. The lunch averaged about $13 a person. It is really not bad consider we each either had a milkshake, smoothie, or combo meal added to our lunch selections. You can get a really good sandwich, sub or burger for less than $6.50. They have earned their reputation not due to the low price, they truly serve good quality food and ice cream. I really enjoyed the Steak & Cheese Sub that I have ordered with a side of French Fries. The Sirloin, provolone cheese and grill onion mixture was not runny like a lot of places, the bun stayed dry and intact. The meat had a very good flavor; it was one of the best Steak & Cheese Sub that I had in a long time. The French Fries was nice and crunchy. Someone from my group ordered Baked Homemade Lasagna, it was served with two slices of Garlic Bread. He said the Lasagna was really good, but the Garlic Bread was the best. The person had the Club Sandwich raved about his food. Sandston Bistro & Shake really paid attention to everything that they serve. All the tables in the dining room are the same size, four of us squeezed into a small booth. We all had a good time and really enjoyed our food. Shortly after 12 PM, the line got really long and wrapped around to the back of the dining room. Two cashiers were quick and calm. We barely waited before they took our order. Food came very quickly despite how busy they are. If you are in the mood for a 6" or 12" Subs, freshly made Sandwiches, Hamburgers, Salad, and Pastas; you should give this place a try. There is a big selection of ice cream await...

Let me start with: Bistros food is NOT bad. Haven't had an issue ever with quality. But I called in for pickup, had to wait 9 min on hold (at lunch time understandably).. but once answered, I ordered a cold sub combo ( turkey sub, fries, drink). I was told it'd be 25 min until ready. ( when I asked why, I was told "that's just in case") Now I get things are busy, but this is ALL "ready" food. Cold sandwich prep, basket of fries preped, and a drink machine drink. If I've already waited 10 min for order taken, and another 10 for prep to go...that makes sense, but near 40 min from order to complete, thats excessive for a cold sandwich/preprep food. I understand staff may be low, but if you are familiar with this establishment, there's 2 cooks and one person on phone/register. It's time to higher another person on prep. I so badly want to support local, but when I takes my entire break to even GET the food, much less enjoy eating it, I can't return even if I WANT to. If you have the time to spare...go here. If you need it quickly, better go...

I have been coming to this place since I was a child and now I am 40 years old. I came today with my friend who also comes multiple times a week with her family and we both supported this business and today was horrible customer service by the owner and uncalled for. He made assumptions that we were just hanging for the three hours and did not buy anything which was not true and as we got up to leave , he talked to us a kids, and was racist to supportive customers, I was completely confused and appalled, which was not a good feeling and we ordered food . If you policy says that you can only be there for a certain amount of hours then it should have been explained and he mentioned this is not McDonald's and assumed we eat there. It was not his first time doing this to my friend and we are both African American women. He needs to change his customer service style or he will have a lawsuit...